Have you ever taken a flight somewhere? The flight attendant always mentions that in case of emergency, you should put your mask on first before helping others. That is basically the same concept as self-care. How can you impact the world around you if you don’t ensure that your own needs are met? We all have so many people and priorities in life, pulling us in every direction, that sometimes we forget that we need to look after ourselves as well. If this sounds familiar, then you should follow these nine simple self-care steps.
1. Make Your Bath Better
A nice warm bath is one of life’s great pleasures, so make more time for them! Scheduling a regular bath time is excellent for body and soul. You can level your bath time up by including luxurious bath bombs or other products.
2. Connect With a Loved One
Connecting with a loved one is a quick reaffirming boost that doesn’t cost a thing except for some time and a little effort. If you have anyone in your life that you love and haven’t talked to recently, just reach out.
3. Break Up Your Day With a Walk
How do you spend your downtime in between work tasks? Do you check your phone? Next time, try to keep your phone in your pocket and take a quick walk outside. This is a wonderful way to calm your thoughts while you get a little exercise.
4. Make Reading a Routine
Reading a book is not only a great way to unwind, but it is also mentally stimulating. If your goal is self-care, then setting up a regular reading routine is a great idea. Even ten minutes a day will make a difference. Consider a book club if you want to include some social interaction.
5. Keep a Success Log
This might seem silly, but it is a highly effective way to stay positive. Keep a journal where you jot down all your wins – big and little. From a work promotion to a simple compliment, you got – jot them all down. Are you feeling down? Read your success log for a boost!
6. Simplify Your Schedule
Take a hard look at your schedule, and figure out where you can simplify. Spend more time focusing on priority tasks and less time with busy work. A simplified schedule will help you feel less overwhelmed and opens up more time for self-care.
7. Make Room For Your Hobbies
If you have the room, set up an area dedicated to a hobby or interest of yours. Having space for your hobby will make you more likely to keep on top of it. Having a hobby, in general, is a great way to unwind and lose yourself in something enjoyable.
8. Selective Social Media
People often talk about the importance of removing toxic people from your life. Well, guess what? You can unfollow people from your social media with a single click of a button. Cull your friends’ list(s) by dropping the people that don’t matter, so you have more time for those that do.
9. Clean and Declutter
It might not seem like self-care, but cleaning and decluttering your space is one of the best things you can do for your state of mind. Not only will it boost your productivity, but it will also make it easier for you to unwind.
ACTIONABLE STEPS
- Embrace your hobbies and interests. Figure out a hobby you’d like to start or make some more time for an old one. If you have the room, set an area up dedicated to this hobby.
- Choose a single book that interests you and read the first 20 pages. If you are hooked by this point, take some time each day to read more.
- Buy yourself a journal (or use an app) to start tracking your wins each day. You can also use this journal to jot down things you are grateful for. Regularly read the journal for a positivity boost.
Publisher of Great Living Today, your one-stop source for greater living featuring tips, techniques, and programs in the areas of health & wellness, wealth, time management, business, love, relationships, and happiness. Marty is a life, business, and wellness coach helping his clients to live their best lives.